7yr old-Aspergers ???

[eguy5548]

My nephew is 7 years old, and has a 4  year old, diagnosed, autistic brother.  The 7yr old had always displayed autistic like characteristics.
My kids are 7 and 3.5 and are normal.  The difference between my 7yr old nephew and my own 7yr old are striking.  My nephew is large for his age, and is uncoordinated.  His speech is ok, but definitely behind. In social groups, he will play with my 3.5 year old daughter before he plays with kids his own age.  He does ok in school as far as reading and math are concerned.  But, has very few friends and seems incapable of connecting socially with kids his own age.  He is a very loving boy, almost to the point of showing innappropriate affection to his peers.

He has walked on his tippy toes almost constantly since he was able to walk.  He also struggles with wetting the bed and also occasionally will just urinate his pants.  He is outgoing with adults and children younger than himself;  but any kids who are his equal in age or older, almost try and avoid him.  He seems incapable of connecting socially with people his own age.  Emotionally, he seems to be the equivalent of my 3.5 year old.

It seems from my reading that this might fit Aspergers, but I am unsure.  His parents, for whatever reason, seem unwilling to have him looked at, maybe because they are afraid of the diagnosis, or maybe because he seems to be able to function at school.  But, something definitely seems out of whack, but family members are somewhat hesistant to try and talk to his parents without some sort of better information.  Any thoughts??

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Based solely on your description, your nephew does not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of Asperger's Disorder. However, on mor detailed examination he might. It may also be that he displays some characteristics of Asperger's Disorder, not sufficent to carry the diagnosis, and may be an example of Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. The important thing is to address his developmental problems, in particular in the social sphere. From the parents' perspective, in light of the fact that their other child has been diagnosed with Autistic Dosorder, this child may appear (relatively speaking) pretty intact. If you decide to broach the matter with his parents, try to focus on your observations and try not to compare your nephew with your own son. Hopefully your nephew's parents will apreciate your observations and arrange an evaluation. The sooner the better, as they say, insofar as obtaining help re: social interaction.